Today Torched Magazine is honored to introduce you to LA-based composer and multi-instrumentalist Christopher Sky (a.k.a. Christopher Garcia) with a short interview along with his new album ‘Vastness’. The lead track off this LP is ‘End of an Era’, a slightly dark, but lovely and mysterious song, about which Sky says “I picture a box opening and sounds pouring out.”
Employing guitar, rhodes piano, electronics and loops, Christopher Sky crafts soundscapes that feel boundless and expansive. Constantly evolving, each piece adopts nuanced textural and rhythmic motifs as both narrative devices and atmospheric signifiers.
The ‘Vastness’ LP was released on vinyl through Aagoo Records and digitally via Hidden Shoal. Orders can be made from Aagoo Records at http://aagoo.com and the digital album at http://aagoo.bandcamp.com/album/christopher–sky-vastness.
Photo by Jacob Pulido
What are you listening to right now?
Chihei Hatakeyama – After Image
What was the first LP/tape/CD you remember owning?
My uncle Jorge made me a tape recording of Ryuichi Sakamoto – Last Emperor Soundtrack
Vinyl or CD/Digital?
Having worked at a record store for a number of years I’d say Vinyl.
What are your favourite bands?
The Album Leaf, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Wilco, Joan of Arc, Jets to Brazil
Why do you live where you do?
I live in the greater Los Angeles area because thats where my family is and thats where I grew up. I have a greater understanding of this city having lived here as many years as I have.
What is your favourite journey?
This last tour had its up and downs but id say it was definitely the most impactful and memorable.
What’s your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Waking up early and having breakfast with the family followed by some music then an early dinner with friends.
What essentials do you take on a plane or tour bus?
Phone and Laptop to work while I sit for a 10 hour flight.
What is your dream vacation if money was no object?
Probably Mars or the Moon.
Photo by Hailey Magdeleno
What do you do with 4 hours to yourself in a new city?
Having just done this on tour honestly I would say trying to find my way around using its transit
What inspired you to take up music
My up bringing had a huge influence so I’d say my parents and family.
What was your most memorable day job?
Working at a record store.
What advice should you have taken but didn’t?
Slow Down
What should everyone shut up about?
Everyone should actually talk more, thats why we are, where we are.
Who’s your ideal dinner guest, living or dead, and what the menu be?
David Bowie and Shepards Pie
Who is your favourite hero of fiction?
Batman is pretty prolific
What was the best live gig or music festival you attended (as a fan or artist)?
Dronica Festival in London. I performed in a church built in 940. It was an amazing experience and met some great people there.
What are your “must” read magazines, news, websites, blogs?
I check my google feed every day to see whats going on in the world. But entertainment wise, id say Pitchfork, NME, and NPR
Name something you consider a mind-altering work of art.
Ryuichi Sakamoto’s The Last Emperor Soundtrack. It completely altered my life in a good way.
What does the next 6 months look like for you?
I have a small California tour with Issaias Vaca. We are playing San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Simi Valley. Followed by some new releases of work I’ve been working on.
Which musician rule do you agree with? Always meet your heroes or never meet your heroes?
Meet your heroes. I was a big fan of The Album Leaf growing up. I had an opportunity to play a show with him a couple of years back and did. We’ve kept in touch ever since. I’ll message him if I ever have any questions musically that I can’t figure out myself and he gives me great advice and an alternate point of view on some musical stances I have.
TRACK LIST
1. As She Sleeps
2. By The Ocean
3. End Of An Era
4. Gold For Silver
5. I’ve Been Here Before
6. In A Room
7. Lavender Dream
8. Months Away
9. Morning Ritual
10. You’ve Been Gone Too Long
CREDITS
TORCHED MAGAZINE 